Anxiety, panic and depression.

@anniegk. First, I don't think that the attitude of your doctor is correct. She should listen to you and take your concerns on board. Second, why are you trying to come off Mirtazapine? Is there a good reason? If there isn't or if you are doing well on your current meds, continue with them. The consequences of coming off it could be unpredictable and difficult to control. Your objective is to feel good and be well. For that, if you have to take some medication for the rest of your life, so be it. Withdrawing from a drug without a good reason--such as intolerable side-effects--could cause you a lot of agony. And do consider finding another doctor who listens to you with empathy.

My personal care doctor thought that if the Mirtazapine wasnt working for me that it might be time to titrate off of it. I have been on it for almost 9 years. Iam just concerned about the length of time i have been on it and what kind of withdrawal i will have. My P Doc suggested it too but said we can wait a while. Right now iam on 300 mg of SeroquelXR, 20 mg of Buspar, 20 mgs of Propanolol, and 45 mgs of Mirtazapine. It seems like alot of medicine. My diagnoses is Depression and Panic disorder.

Hello Im Cassie and was wondering what helps you all the most with severe anxiety and panic attacks?

Sounds like a lot of medication to me also. Need a fresh look at meds. Didn't know Buspar is still on the market.

I hope someone replys to you Cassie. Iam wondering the same thing. I try walking on my tredmill for 35 minures a day. I cant understand how you can feel fairly good the night before and wake up feeling so panicky or anxious. This happens to me alot.

@cassie123

I have been taking Clonazepam for 11 years, 1mg, and it has worked for me.

Jim

@cassie123 I have dealt with panic/anxiety attacks for years. I have learned what will usually cause them and do my best to stay a way from situations/things that do cause them. I do have them for no "apparent" reason at times and have also learned to breathe my way through them. They are scary and they do pass.

Welcome to the Mayo Connection.

@parus

You have provided some great suggestions. I appreciate your addition to this conversation.

Teresa

I have a few suggestions. First, please don't mix the advice of your personal care doctor with that of your psychiatrist. Second, how are you feeling now? Are you feeling OK or are you not feeling well? If it is the former, please don't change your medication. You have been stable on it for nine years. You may have to take it for the rest of your life to stay well. And if it is the latter, then please discuss a new treatment plan with your psychiatrist. That may involve increasing, not tapering, Mirtazapine, which is a very safe drug with few side effects. Third, people with your illness often have to take many drugs for their whole life. So please do not be concerned with the number of drugs you are taking or the duration. The important thing is to stay well, not taper drugs for the sake of tapering. I am speaking from experience. All good wishes.

The long-term treatment for severe anxiety and panic attacks involves antidepressants plus anti-anxiety drugs for short or long term. If the illness is severe, anti-anxiety drugs alone may not be enough, and antidepressants may be needed. Learning breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation also helps. Please see a good psychiatrist and work out a treatment plan. Your illness is treatable so there is nothing to be scared about. Also, a lot of very good information about your treatment is available on the internet.